The purpose of a writer is to be read, and the criticism which would destroy the power of pleasing must be blown aside

The world is not yet exhausted: let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.

Advice, as it always gives a temporary appearance of superiority, can never be very grateful, even when it is most necessary or most judicious. But for the same reason everyone is eager to instruct his neighbours. To be wise or to be virtuous is to buy dignity and importance at a high price; but when nothing is necessary to elevation but detection of the follies or faults of others, no man is so insensible to the voice of fame as to linger on the ground.

Many causes may vitiate a writer's judgement of his own works. On that which has cost him much labour he sets a high value, because he is unwilling to think that he has been diligent in vain: what has been produced without toilsome efforts is considered with delight as a proof of vigorous faculties and fertile invention; and the last work, whatever it be, has necessarily most of the grace of novelty.

Fine clothes are good only as they supply the want of other means of procuring respect.

A transition from an author's book to his conversation, is too often like an entrance into a large city.

Distance either of time or place is sufficient to reconcile weak minds to wonderful relations.